"Double Grace"
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
November 1, 2011
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November 1, 2011 "Double Grace" Introduction:"The more grace Christians have, the more clearly they can see the contrast between holiness and sin. This will necessarily lead them to pray more often, earnestly, and fervently, give them a disrelish for the vanities of the world, and a sincere and hearty desire to devote all they have to Christ and to serve Him entirely." - Ann "Nancy" Judson A few weeks ago, Beverly Davis called from Kerrville, Texas, and said, "Why don't you write a book on 'Grace'?" I retorted that she should write the book, since she was the one studying the subject so intently. (I am glad to know many people who delve into the Word and seek out its treasures.) She then reviewed a few references with some comments, but said, "The body really needs a fresh discussion on Grace." I have come to the conclusion that she is correct and that the Spirit desires to enlighten us all to the power of Grace. Grace: the enabler Zechariah 4:6-7The grace of God is an enforcing factor in any situation. It is an overcoming factor against insurmountable odds. Integral to the Spirit is the operation of grace. It is not just "A Factor" in one's spiritual walk, it is "The Factor" assuring victory. Zechariah, who ministered about 520BC during the end of the leadership of Zerubbabel, received encouragement from the Lord. This first rebuilder of the Temple was told, "It is not by might or power, but by My Spirit." The universality of that revelation is startling. When the efforts of man, doing the work of the Lord, run into to difficulties-this admonition rises to meet him. Man's effort apart from the will and leadership of the Lord do not possess this attribute. When Zerubbabel met opposition and mountains of oppression from both inside the camp (Israel abandoned building the Temple and began building homes for themselves) and outside the camp (surrounding tribes sought legal and illegal means to stop the work and were successful upon occasion), he must have entertained discouragement. Zechariah's words were edifying to him. This word had great implication, not only for Zerubbabel, but for all those who are builders upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone. This passage assures the recipient that the task ahead will be accomplished and when it is, Grace will have carried it through. A Capstone soon will be laid for all ministry. Double Grace will be shouted when God's work is finished. It will be like the great grace which accompanied the early disciples, but double. Grace piled up on Grace. "Grace, Grace to it." Yes, those who observe its completion will shout that Grace did it! That is the shout now in the hearts of believers who truly know Him. They know anything that is accomplished in these perilous times is done by Grace. Grace is not just a term applied to a believer's status at his conversion, it is a life force set within the heart. It is the Spirit enabling all the grace which worked in Christ to work in them! Double Grace comes to the forefront to be imparted. Its impartation is not just once and that for all, but a continuing, never ending stream alive in every activity of the saint. How glibly Seminaries define grace. They state to the young theologians: "unmerited favor." Ah, grace is more than this. It is a life stream coming from the heart of God toward His saints in a never ending supply to the heart of the believer. Whatever the question, the answer is Grace. Whatever the need, the answer is Grace. Whatever the situation, the answer is Grace. (Reread the definition above that Strong gives and keep reading it until the reality of it comes alive in your heart.) The early church experienced something the modern church desperately needs. Acts 4:37The early disciples knew their source field: Great Power/Great Grace! Until the believer understands this sequence, then all that can be expected of their labor is what man is able to accomplish apart from the Spirit. Grace is a force field where power can manifest itself. It is the uppermost consideration in the mind of the saints. Allowing grace to work within their hearts is the highway of righteousness for power to speed upon. (Sown into our hearts by the Spirit of Grace, we move in humble submission to Him. He is the Spirit of Grace.) The Spirit of Grace Zechariah 12:10Both the Old and New Testament link inseparably the Holy Spirit and Grace. Zechariah's prophecies (one of the foundations upon which the spiritual Temple set forth in Ephesians is laid) looked into the future to the death of the Messiah and pointed to the huge spiritual implications of His redemptive submission. The Temple folk trampled the Son of God; They insulted the Holy Spirit of Grace. Today, in great volume, churches, organizations and masses trample the Son of God and insult the Spirit of Grace! Having taken the "blood" out of redemption, moderates and liberals mask sin and bring in pagan deities. Conservative Christianity has done a little better. They include the "Blood of the Covenant," but make it 'common' and mundane. They insult the Spirit of grace who applies the precious (grace) blood to the believer on a daily basis as well as "once for all." Grace is dependant on reverence to the Spirit and the blood. They are treated in some "Spirit filled Churches" in ways close to blasphemy. Thousands of Messianic groups fail also to see the connection between Zechariah's, "they will look upon Me whom they pierced" and the following passage. (Remember: Jehovah spoke this passage.) Few Messianic groups preach this passage: John 1:14-17Or this passage: Gal 5:4-6It is all about Jesus. It is not law, feasts, observances or moons; It is Him and grace poured out through Him. "His fullness we have all received" is not the altar call of many groups. Grace poured on top of Grace is more than the double grace mentioned in the capstone, but it well may have been the chief definition of Zechariah's prophecy once Jesus came. What good is the truth without grace to implement it? Paul's epistle to the Jews is rife with this teaching. Rom 6:14(If the Old Testament meaning of grace (given above) is what the Greek translators sought to convey, then one must review the New Testament word they chose ) Grace NT:5485 charis (khar'-ece); from NT:5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):KJV - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).Living in the Fellowship of Grace: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9Calling and Election Based on Grace: If one is admonished to make his calling and election sure, then the place to begin is with Grace. There is a "different" gospel being preached today that was not the gospel preached by the disciples. Acts 20:24(During the days of Elijah, Israel was preaching a gospel of Baal. But there were seven thousand that had allegiance to the true gospel of God. God reminded Elijah of His grace and power.) For any person to be "in Christ" the "election of grace" must take place. Salvation does not begin with a stroll down the aisle or a catechism. Ephesians 2:8-11Note: "He prepared beforehand..." Those who throw out predestination had just as well put it back. Those who do not believe in the eternality of the spirit of man had best rush to the Throne. He knew us before we were formed in our mother's womb (Jeremiah). His grace was in action before we sinned. Look at Paul's testimony: Gene Weismann asked the congregation, "Where was Adam before He was formed into a man?" Gene answered his own question: "He was in the heart of God." Then he asked, "Where were you before you were conceived?" He declared, "We were in the heart of God. We are eternal beings."Galatians 1:15-16 Gene went on to declare that God, through His Grace, has deposited in our hearts many things such as, prophecies, miracles and works of God, all of them stored in our hearts (and they have not been released.) He declared, "The church needs what you have..." "So many know the Word, but don't know the author of the Word. You can know the Bible backwards and forwards and go to Hell. Get to know the author...Fellowship with Him!" "Pour out the Grace Gifts to edify the church!" Brother Weismann was searching the deep things of the Spirit and stirring his people to awaken to the grace poured out on them. Fallen Adam was deprived of fellowship and Jesus came to restore that fellowship by His grace. Instead of carrying grace gifts in a heart beaten down by the world and often the church, we were destined to reign through Jesus in THIS LIFE, by His Grace. The great tragedy of life is not to reign and therefore receive grace in vain.Romans 5:15-17 2 Corinthians 6:1-2December 1 newsletter will return to the study of Grace...allow this entrance to sink deep and study it well. Until Next month, Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD. |
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